Serialously with Annie Elise - Episode 235 Summary

Release Date: January 23, 2025
Host: 10 to LIFE & Audioboom Studios

Welcome to Episode 235 of Serialously with Annie Elise, titled “13-year-old Na’Ziyah Harris, Couple Lived with Dead Bodies, Stabbing Frenzy, & Update on Missing Girl in NC”. In this episode, Annie Elise delves deep into several gripping true crime cases, offering comprehensive insights and updates. This summary captures all the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the episode.

1. Sexual Assault Allegations Against Neil Gaiman

Timestamp: [00:32] – [04:44]

Annie opens the episode by addressing a widely concerned case involving Neil Gaiman, the renowned British author famous for works like The Sandman and Coraline. Recent allegations have surfaced accusing Gaiman of sexual misconduct, primarily involving young women.

• Allegations Overview:

  • Scarli Pavolich, a former nanny for Gaiman and his ex-wife, accuses him of sexually assaulting her while she was in the bathtub, escalating to forced oral sex and even coercing her to eat her vomit after a violent encounter.
  • Caroline Walner, another caretaker, describes transactional sexual relationships that took a darker turn when Gaiman made inappropriate advances involving his child.
  • Katherine Kendall and Kendra Stout also came forward, detailing non-consensual sexual activities and assaults.

• Notable Quote:

  “Several of the women said to us, we don't want him to be canceled, we just want him to be held accountable for his behavior in these situations with very young women.”
  — Podcast Host [03:52]

• Gaiman’s Response: Gaiman and his legal team have vehemently denied all allegations, branding them as “fake and deplorable.” They argue that his involvement in BDSM activities was consensual and lawful, emphasizing that non-consensual acts are unequivocally illegal.

• Public and Fan Reaction: Despite the allegations, many of Gaiman’s fans defend him, claiming extortion motives behind the accusations. The situation remains contentious, with ongoing legal proceedings and public discourse.

2. The Tragic Stabbing of Caleb Rijos in New York City

Timestamp: [04:44] – [13:30]

Annie shifts focus to the heart-wrenching case of Caleb Rijos, a 14-year-old boy who was brutally stabbed to death on his way to school in New York City.

• Incident Details:

  • Date & Time: January 9th, around 9:25 AM on East 138th Street.
  • Perpetrator: Waldo Mejia, 29, with a history of mental health issues and prior run-ins with the NYPD.
  • Circumstances: Caleb was unprovokedly stabbed twice in the heart by Waldo, who had a documented pattern of violence, including a recent subway stabbing incident and a prior harassment charge.

• Community Impact: The local community is devastated, holding memorial basketball games and vigils to honor Caleb. His cousin, Kayla, described him as having "the absolute biggest heart" and being deeply family-oriented.

• Notable Quote:

  “He was always close to his family. He was like a really family person.”
  — Community Member [12:56]

• Legal Proceedings: Waldo Mejia was arrested shortly after the attack, with evidence including matching clothing and a bloody knife found on him. He remains in jail without bond, facing multiple charges including murder and weapon offenses.

• Annie’s Reflection: Annie expresses profound sorrow over Caleb's senseless death and criticizes the failure to prevent such individuals with known histories from committing violent acts.

3. Couple Living with Dead Bodies in a Freezer

Timestamp: [13:30] – [19:XX]

In one of the most disturbing cases discussed, Annie recounts the chilling discovery of a family living alongside deceased loved ones.

• Case Overview:

  • Victims: An elderly couple, William (68) and Eileen (66), were found murdered and stored in their kitchen freezer. Their son, Shane, and his girlfriend, Sue, were also discovered dead inside the home.
  • Cause of Death: William and Eileen died from multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma, while Shane and Sue succumbed to gunshot wounds. Shane’s death has been confirmed as a suicide, but Sue's death remains undetermined.

• Suspicious Findings:

  • Notes Found: Post-it notes indicating precise times of death suggested premeditation, particularly pointing to Shane’s involvement in his parents' murders.
  • Duration in the Freezer: The parents were killed in July, and Shane and Sue lived in the house for six months with the bodies concealed.

• Community and Investigation: Authorities speculate extreme mental health issues or possible collusion between Shane and Sue, although many questions about the motive and circumstances remain unanswered. The case underscores the complexities of mental health intersecting with criminal activity.

• Annie’s Concern: Annie emphasizes the need for thorough investigations to provide closure to the victims' families, highlighting the eerie and unsettling nature of the case.

4. Massacre at a Taylor Swift Themed Dance and Yoga Class in the UK

Timestamp: [19:XX] – [28:48]

Annie covers the horrifying attack that occurred on July 29 during a Taylor Swift-themed event for young girls in the UK.

• Incident Details:

  • Perpetrator: Axel Ruda Cubana, then 17, who orchestrated a stabbing spree targeting three young girls during the event.
  • Victims: Alice Agiar (9), Elsie Stancomb (7), and B.B. King (6). Additionally, two adults and eight other children were injured.

• Motive and Aftermath: Axel aimed to kill as many as thirteen people, but only three young girls lost their lives. He pleaded guilty to multiple counts, including murder and attempted murder, avoiding a lengthy trial to spare families further trauma.

• Notable Quote:

  “The loss of life and innocence and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, the first responders… just little kids at a dance class.”
  — Taylor Swift [During Episode]

• Community Response: The community, along with public figures like Taylor Swift and King Charles, expressed profound shock and sorrow. Vigils and memorials were held to support the victims' families and survivors.

• Legal Outcome: Axel now faces life imprisonment, with authorities still unclear about his exact motive, labeling the act as senseless and tragic.

5. Update on Heather Williams in North Carolina

Timestamp: [28:48] – [34:12]

Annie provides an update on the ongoing investigation into the disappearance and subsequent death of Heather Williams, last seen on January 4th.

• Case Recap:

  • Disappearance: Heather was seen entering a gray four-door sedan, whose driver was unfamiliar to her family and friends.
  • Condition: Heather had a history of severe cognitive impairment and was reliant on daily medications, heightening concerns for her safety.

• Developments:

  • Body Found: On January 10th, Heather’s body was discovered in a wooded area.
  • Perpetrator: Tyrell Siermons, 30, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Siermons has a notorious history, including violent attacks against previous employers and associates, stemming from severe mental health issues.
  • Legal Proceedings: After initially pleading not guilty, Siermons later pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including murder and possession of an Al Qaeda manual, aiming to expedite the legal process and spare families from extended trauma.

• Notable Quote:

  “It is unfathomable… how he could take away a whole 25 years of life.”
  — Heather’s Sister, Mary [29:34]

• Impact on Family: Heather’s sister, Mary, expressed her heartbreak and frustration, emphasizing that the responsibility lies solely with Siermons. She highlighted the failure of the justice system to prevent a known violent individual from committing such heinous crimes.

6. Case Highlight: Naziah Harris

Timestamp: [34:12] – [36:14]

The episode culminates with a detailed examination of the Naziah Harris case, one of the most requested topics from listeners.

• Case Overview:

  • Disappearance: On January 9th, 13-year-old Naziah Harris was last seen getting off her school bus. She was reportedly involved in a relationship with Jarvis Butts, 42, her uncle’s estranged friend.

• Allegations and Evidence:

  • Sexual Abuse: Jarvis Butts has a documented history of sexual assault against minors, including an 8-year-old relative and a 4-year-old.
  • Text Messages: Disturbing and explicit text exchanges between Naziah and Jarvis surfaced, showcasing coercion and grooming behaviors.
  • Pregnancy: Naziah was reportedly pregnant at the time of her disappearance, with Jarvis seeking means to terminate the pregnancy through his search history.

• Legal Proceedings:

  • Charges: Jarvis Butts has been charged with murder, criminal sexual conduct, and child sex abuse. Although Naziah’s body has not been found, the evidence strongly implicates Butts in her disappearance and presumed murder.
  • Notable Quote:

    “Naziah was so young and she absolutely was failed by those who were supposed to protect her.”
    — Annie Elise [36:14]

• Community and Familial Impact: Naziah’s family is devastated, pushing for justice and raising awareness about the prevalence of sexual abuse by trusted individuals. Her cousin, Roxy, emphasizes the need to shine a light on such atrocities to prevent future occurrences.

• Annie’s Commentary: Annie underscores the importance of sharing such harrowing stories to advocate for better protection and awareness, highlighting that a significant percentage of child sexual assaults are perpetrated by individuals known to the victims.

Closing Remarks and Upcoming Content

Annie concludes the episode by promoting an upcoming bonus episode focusing on the Jessica Barnes case from South Carolina, promising a deep dive into complex issues like polygamy, multiple relationships, and unresolved mysteries surrounding her disappearance.

Notable Advice from Annie:

“Please stay safe, please watch your back, don't join any cults and just be nice and don't kill people.”

Annie also encourages listeners to support the podcast through Patreon for access to additional content, including bonus episodes and extended case studies.

Final Thoughts:

Episode 235 of Serialously with Annie Elise delivers a compelling blend of in-depth analysis and empathetic storytelling, shedding light on some of the most unsettling and tragic true crime cases. Annie's ability to weave intricate details with emotional resonance makes this episode a must-listen for true crime enthusiasts seeking thorough and thoughtful coverage.

For more detailed discussions and to listen to the full episode, visit Serialously on Apple Podcasts or support through Patreon.